An Icon from the Past Resurfaces: The Skindiver Chronograph
* In 2023, Vulcain brought back one of its most iconic dive watches: the Skindiver Nautique, a model that left its mark on the horological landscape of the 1960s. But the story didn’t end there. Few knew that at the same time, the Locle-based manufacture had also developed a chronograph version of this tool watch. Sheltered from the public eye for decades, it is now making a comeback, thanks to the research and rediscovery efforts led by Guillaume Laidet, who has been overseeing Vulcain’s collection development since 2022. By bringing this timepiece back from the archives, Vulcain offers collectors a watch that is both authentic and technical, a true homage to the brand’s heritage of exceptional dive watches.
* The Skindiver Chronograph stays true to the aesthetic codes of vintage dive watches while incorporating modern technical advancements. Its 39.7mm stainless steel case, featuring vertical brushed finishing, ensures optimal durability while maintaining a perfectly balanced feel on the wrist. Water-resistant up to 200 meters, it is equipped with a knurled bidirectional rotating bezel with a black ceramic insert, paying tribute to the original models of the 1960s. The dial, available in matte black or matte silver, features ultra-legible SuperLuminova-coated indices, ensuring maximum visibility in even the most challenging conditions. Powering the watch is the reliable and precise ETA 7753 automatic chronograph movement. More than just a dive watch, this model also features a decimal scale—a rare element in watchmaking—that allows time measurement in hundredths of a minute, making calculations and data interpretation more practical for diving or sports timing. The engraved caseback, depicting a diver in action, reinforces the watch’s maritime and adventurous DNA.
Movement: Automatic Chronograph
Case Dimensions: 39.7mm x 13mm, Stainless Steel
Dial: Black with Luminous Hands/Indices and Silver Sub-Dials
Glass: Domed Sapphire Crystal
Strap: 20mm x 16mm, Black Leather on Pin Buckle
Water Resistance: 20 ATM
Reference: 590176A57.BAC201
The Vulcain watch manufacturer was founded in 1858 by Jacque Ditisheim and his three sons; Gaspard, Aaron and Maurice. Like many watchmakers during this time, Vulcain started out specialising in pocket watches before branching out into wristwatches.
One of Vulcain's most notable inventions was in 1947 with the release of the world's first mechanical wristwatch with alarm complication. This incredible piece of mechanical engineering won many plaudits and was awarded the International Chronometry Competition at the Neuchatel observatory. The watch was also adopted by a number of US Presidents, including Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson.
Based in Le Locle, Switzerland, Vulcain still today produce a collection of beautiful mechanical wristwatches, including chronographs, dive watches and their coveted Cricket model, which incorporates their in-house manufactured V10 mechanical movement with alarm complication.
With more than 150 years of history and innovation, Vulcain can be considered one of the unsung heroes of Swiss watchmaking and holds a distinctive place in the world of fine watchmaking thanks to its iconic models and unique mechanical movements.