Squale Shows That They Are Still Top of Their Game with Two New Master Models

A Squale is always a capable dive watch, but even with this pioneer in dive watches, some are just a bit more capable than others. Since 1959, the Master Collection has been the pinnacle of the brand, showcasing its technical know-how and deep understanding of the world of diving. Already in the 1960s, the brand offered a watch capable of withstanding a water pressure of 100 ATM, and the current generation of the Master collection has surpassed that with an even more impressive 120 ATM.

While you would expect a behemoth of a watch, the Master is surprisingly wearable on dry land. While specifically not designed as a 'desk diver,' it did become great at being just that. Squale kept the diameter in check, measuring 42mm, which is surprisingly modest for a watch that can dive this deep. Even the height of 15.50 mm is generous, but on the wrist, thanks to the clever case design, very wearable. While this is the first Squale to be made entirely of Grade 5 titanium, don't expect it to be a featherlight watch. Squale probably opted for this material more for its strength than for its lightness. Underwater weight is not a problem at all, and above water, the Master still carries a nice heft that never becomes bothersome. 

Squale is, in essence, a creator of purpose-driven tool watches, and the caseback reflects this. No sapphire inserts to admire the movement, but solid titanium with very little decorations apart from the center, to give it just the right amount of friction on your skin or wetsuit. This didn't stop Squale from opting for the elabore decoration level of the Sellita SW 200-1 that powers the Master. This is a robust movement, featuring automatic winding and running at 28,800 VpH/4 Hz. The only downside is that the power reserve is on the low side with just 38 hours, but for a watch that will get a lot of wrist time, that isn't much of a problem. 

Squale keeps the screw-down crown out of the way by placing it at the four o'clock position, and fits the Master with a very nice rubber strap. In good Swiss tradition, it is gently vanilla-scented and comes with light grey stitching and a subtle alligator pattern. This makes the Squale even better looking on land while being just as capable underwater. A well-executed buckle complements the strap.

The main difference between the Master Grand Bleu and Master Grand Vert is the color, but not just of the dial. Squale went all in and also changed the color of the Super-LumiNova, as well as the bezel. This results in two profoundly different watches. With the Master Grand Vert, the bezel seemed under the influence of light, metallic grey with green numerals and markers, while with the Master Grand Bleu, it is blue wherever you look. The minute hand is with both versions outlined in orange and filled in with white Super-LumiNova. This is great when diving, when the hours are usually less important. On land, this practical use of color is a fun style element that doesn't impact the ease with which the time can be read. The dial has a beautiful texture, and you get to pick if you see waves in them or the shape of the sand on the ocean floor. Extra credit also goes to the bezel for its luminous numerals and markers, as well as being slightly oversized, making it very easy to operate. Not that you will do that by mistake, because it requires a pleasant amount of force. The experience is like moving the lock of an old-fashioned safe. In fact, this might also be the most fitting conclusion about these two new additions to the Master collection of Squale. The brand rightfully kept what they know, based on their extensive experience, should be part of a solid divers' watch as a basis. To that, they added more contemporary elements, uniting the best of the past with that of the present, and with that shaping the future. Both the Master Grand Bleu and the Master Grand Vert are priced at $2,390 (VAT excluded)

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