The Rolex Submariner is one of those watches that truly deserves the title of icon. It remains the benchmark of diving watches and a truly special Rolex to own. There are quite a few exceptional models in the rich history of the Submariner, often made for a limited period or in very low quantities, of which this reference 5513 "Meters First" is one.

Panerai is mainly known for its large, oversized watches, but it has also introduced smaller-sized creations in recent years. They now continue on this path with the new Luminor Marina Quaranta. As its name already gives away, with Quaranta meaning 40 in Italian, have these new watches a diameter of 40mm. While significantly smaller than some of their siblings, these new watches are unmistakably Panerai.

Titanium has always been an intriguing material to craft watches from. It didn't become widely used in the world of watches until the 1980s, but today it is embraced by a wide variety of brands. Some polish it to perfection, giving it a look similar to that of stainless steel, but in a brushed finish, the deep grey tone that is so typical for titanium tends to give watches a more technical look. This is also the case with the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe that Blancpain recently introduced.

The great white shark is, without a doubt, a promising contestant for the title of most misunderstood animal on the planet. Portrayed in pop culture as a ruthless killer that preys on anything it can sink its teeth in, preferably humans, of course. Thanks to (non-profit) research organizations like OCEARCH, we can now paint an entirely different picture. It has given us insights into its advanced social behavior and intelligence, not to mention the critical part it plays in keeping the oceans' ecosystem balanced and healthy.

With Arnaud Jerald, Richard Mille is welcoming the youngest two-time world record holder in free diving to its family of ambassadors. While being only 25 years old, Jerald is one of the most promising talents in this sport. Diving without air, he reached an incredible depth of 112 meters last year in Greece. Freediving is as much about physical fitness as it is about mental attitude. You have to be very focused, yet at the same time become one with the ocean. It opens up a world few people get to experience fo freely and quietly. A wetsuit, a set of flippers, and a nose clip are all you need to free dive, but a watch can be an essential addition in terms of safety.

While many timepieces are created, and positioned, as a diving watch, their actual use is often much broader. As they are robust, reliable, and of course waterproof, they become a natural companion for people who enjoy an active lifestyle. Glashütte Original realizes this too and therefore focuses with the reed green version of the successor of their first diving watch on land.

While there are no global watch fairs this year, it is still traditionally the time for many brands to introduce their models. One of the brands that is not deviating from this is Omega, which delights us to a wide variety of new models, including many in the Seamaster collection.

By joining forces with Watches of Switzerland, is the legendary Swiss watch brand Doxa once again officially represented in the United States. Doxa was founded in 1880 in the town of Le Locle and has mostly made a name for itself by creating diving watches of outstanding quality. By working closely together with diving-legend Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the brand launched in 1967 their first diving watch. This would become the start of a true legacy, as their watches found themselves on the wrists of both amateur and professional divers alike and was also frequently named in Clive Cussler's books, whose hero Dirk Pitt wore one. Watches of Switzerland will first reintroduce the American public to Doxa at their trendy SoHo boutique in New York City, but will also offer these Swiss diving watches on their e-commerce platform.

In the world of Panerai, there is no such thing as a small watch. For many years, the Panerai-life started at a diameter of 44mm and above. These times have changed, as slowly but surely, the brand introduces more modest size siblings of its iconic watches. This includes the Submersible, a model that even among other Panerai used to impose with its generous diameter and thickness. The Submersible PAM00959 still impresses, yet now with a diameter of only 42mm.

2020 is an important year for Grand Seiko as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. A unique occasion with they commemorate not only with new watches but also with new movements. As the brand has always been future-minded, they take this year to not only further cement their position with the world of the Haute Horlogerie but also to strengthen their foundation for the future.

Ulysse Nardin has always had a very close connection to the world's oceans. This is evident from their Marine Chronometer, one of their signature timepieces, but also from their diving watches. That collection is now expended with three new chronograph models with among them the Diver Chronograph 44mm Hammerhead Shark, a limited edition of 300 pieces. The case of the watch is crafted from titanium and houses caliber UN-150. This automatic manufacture movement features the brand's signature silicium escapement and has a 48-hour power reserve. The dial, bezel and rubber strap are all in ocean blue, while distinct red details bring the watch in line with previous limited editions dedicated to the hammerhead shark. We also find an image of this magnificent beast engraved on the backside of the case.

OMEGA celebrated the launch of its newest watch, the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition, with a private affair at The Top of the Standard in New York. The occasion was shaken (not stirred) by the special guests that included James Bond himself, actor Daniel Craig, as well as 007 film producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms has been an icon among diving watches ever since its conception in 1953. It was a trailblazer whose profile has become one of the most recognized in the industry. While Blancpain is still making the Fifty Fathoms with a modern interpretation of the vintage lines, they are also pushing the envelope and have created a few versions that you might not expect.

When it comes to watches, we tend to focus on the movement and its complications. While this is indeed often the reason why we buy a particular watch, a good bracelet, when it is of course fitted with one, can also have a substantial impact on how we enjoy it in day to day life. It should not only firmly yet comfortably secure the watch on our wrist, but it should also match its style. Designing and creating such a bracelet is not an easy task, yet these four brands nailed it.

Most of us have already enjoyed warm enough Spring weather to awaken that summer feeling that was slumbering there during winter. It brings the anticipation of spending days lakeside or on the beach, firing up the barbeque or dining al fresco at your favorite restaurant. These four watches will for sure help you to further get into the mood, as no summer outfit would be complete without them!

Diving watches are often among the most robust creations of the watch world. The demands put on these watches are usually extreme, that is when you are a professional diver. For the amateur diver or people who don't dive at all, these features are often not needed to the extent that they are created. However, their impact on the look of the watch makes it that they have become, and remain, very popular. These four watches are perfect examples of extreme diving watches that also make a statement outside of the water.