Nubeo Aluminaut Automatic Limited Edition

The Nubeo Aluminaut Automatic Limited Edition has resurfaced, emerging with a new and assertive aesthetic for 2025. Following the significant success of its initial launch, which captured the attention of collectors drawn to its robust engineering and uncompromising design, the Aluminaut returns. This time, it introduces five distinct and striking colorways, reinforcing its identity as a timepiece built for extreme conditions. The collection is not a subtle evolution; it is a bold declaration, available in Marine Blue, Lume Grey, Vibrant Yellow, Sea Green, and Ultra Pink, with each variant strictly limited to 120 pieces. This new release maintains the formidable specifications of its predecessor while injecting a fresh, vibrant energy into the line, ensuring it remains a topic of conversation for those who demand serious performance from their watches.



Nubeo's creative identity is drawn from two of humanity's greatest and most mysterious frontiers: the deep ocean and the vastness of outer space. The brand's philosophy centers on exploring the boundaries of terra firma, looking both to the 95% of the ocean floor that remains unmapped and the Kármán Line 100 kilometers above, which separates our atmosphere from the cosmos. This dual inspiration—sea and space—manifests in timepieces that are tributes to exploration, both in function and in form. Nubeo's design language is a deliberate fusion of the organic and the industrial, creating a visual signature that is at once mechanical and fluid, resulting in a truly unique exhibition of time.



The collection's name and purpose pay direct homage to the Aluminaut, the world’s first aluminum submarine constructed in 1964. That vessel was a marvel of mid-century engineering, designed to push the boundaries of underwater exploration. This watch serves as a testament to that same pioneering spirit. It embodies the submarine's resilience and its mission to withstand immense pressure. The watch isn't just named after the submarine; it's engineered with the same ethos, merging the requirements of deep-sea performance with a modern horological sensibility, creating a direct link between historical engineering and contemporary watchmaking.



The foundation of this timepiece is its substantial 316L stainless steel case. Measuring 50mm in diameter, it presents an imposing and powerful footprint on the wrist. The entire case is characterized by a heavy, unidirectional brushed finish, emphasizing its tool-watch credentials and minimizing reflections. The design is angular and purposeful, with short, downturned lugs that attempt to mitigate the massive diameter. A significant feature is the set of robust guards that flank the crown, protecting it from impacts. This is a case designed not for subtlety, but for presence and durability, a solid block of steel intended to shield the movement within from the harshest environments.



Despite the 50mm measurement, Nubeo asserts that the watch "wears smaller" due to the very short lug-to-lug length, which comes in at 55mm. While still a very large dimension, this design choice is critical. By keeping the lugs from extending too far, the watch aims to conform to the wrist more effectively than its diameter might suggest. However, there is no hiding its thickness. At a towering 22mm, this watch sits high, a necessary concession to achieve its profound water resistance and to house the domed sapphire crystal. This is a timepiece that makes its presence known, both visually and physically.



This is not a "desk diver" or a watch with mere dive-style aesthetics. The Aluminaut is engineered for extreme underwater environments, boasting a professional-grade water resistance rating of 100 ATM. This certification translates to a depth of 1,000 meters, or 3,300 feet, placing it in the category of serious, professional-grade saturation diving instruments. Every component, from the case construction to the seals, is over-engineered to withstand the crushing pressures found far below the ocean's surface. This level of resilience offers a profound sense of security, a capability that, while likely untested by most wearers, is central to the watch's identity.



A critical feature for any true saturation diving watch is the integrated helium release valve, and the Aluminaut includes this specialized component. This valve is a small, one-way port built into the case. During prolonged stays in a pressurized diving bell, divers breathe a gas mixture rich in helium. Tiny helium molecules can work their way past the watch's seals. During decompression, if this trapped helium cannot escape quickly enough, the pressure difference can pop the crystal off the watch. The helium release valve automatically allows this trapped gas to escape, preserving the watch's integrity. Its inclusion signals that the Aluminaut is built for a very specific and demanding professional purpose.



Framing the dial is a massive, unidirectional rotating bezel, a non-negotiable tool for timing dives. The bezel's edge is deeply grooved, often called a "coin-edge," providing a serious and secure grip, essential for operation with a wet or gloved hand. The insert is made of aluminum, featuring a clear 60-minute scale with bold numerals at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. A prominent triangular marker at the 12 o'clock position is filled with Swiss NewLite, serving as the luminous pip. This bezel is designed for clear, tactile, and reliable functionality, allowing a diver to set their bottom time with confidence.



Protecting the complex dial is a thick, domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The choice of sapphire is crucial for a watch of this caliber, as it is nearly impossible to scratch, second only to diamond in hardness. The domed shape not only adds to the watch's 22mm height but also provides structural integrity against high pressure and can enhance legibility at oblique angles underwater. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the crystal's underside to reduce glare, ensuring the dial can be read instantly, whether in bright sunlight or in the dark depths of the sea.



The dial itself is a lesson in high-contrast legibility. Nubeo opted for a multi-layered construction that creates a fantastic sense of depth. The indices are not simple painted markers; they are enormous, applied, multi-dimensional blocks that appear to float above the main dial surface. These indices, primarily pill-shaped with distinctive trapezoidal markers at the cardinal points, are designed to hold a massive amount of luminous material. The handset is equally oversized, with a broad, skeletonized hour hand and a prominent minute hand, both featuring large, color-accented tips. A simple stick seconds hand with a luminous circle provides a clear indication that the watch is running. A small, functional date window is neatly integrated at the 3 o'clock position.



The new collection's strength lies in its five distinct colorways. The Vibrant Yellow model is impossible to ignore, featuring a bright, matte yellow dial that recalls the high-visibility equipment used in professional diving. This sunny dial is contrasted sharply by a deep, metallic blue bezel and a matching blue chapter ring. The hands and indices are accented with bright orange and white, creating a high-energy, sporty look that is perfectly suited for summer and adventure. This version is a pure expression of function-forward, high-visibility design.



Perhaps the most audacious of the new releases is the Ultra Pink. This variant pushes the Aluminaut into new aesthetic territory with a soft, matte pink dial. This unexpected color is paired with a striking, metallic purple bezel insert. To complement this pairing, the applied indices and hand accents are finished in a bright, aquatic teal or turquoise. The result is a watch that is completely unconventional, blending the extreme, hyper-masculine specifications of a 1000-meter diver with a color palette that is playful, bold, and absolutely unique.



The Sea Green version offers a more toned-down, almost military-inspired aesthetic. The dial is a flat, olive-like green, matched perfectly by the green aluminum bezel insert. The accents on the indices and the massive hands are rendered in a light, minty green, creating a subtle, monochromatic look. This is broken only by the bright orange luminous pip on the bezel and the orange central disk of the handset, adding a small dash of functional, high-visibility color to the otherwise earthy and tactical appearance.



For those seeking a more classic-with-a-twist dive watch look, the Marine Blue variant provides a deep, rich navy blue dial. This is paired with a muted, grey-blue bezel insert, creating a sophisticated, nautical-themed color scheme. The visual excitement comes from the indices, which are filled with a bright, vibrant orange. This "pumpkin" orange contrasts beautifully against the blue dial. The hands, meanwhile, are accented in a bright lime green, adding a third layer of color that makes the time-telling functions pop with exceptional clarity.



Finally, the Lume Grey model is a standout for its absolute focus on low-light performance. This model, seen in the lifestyle underwater shot, features a dial that is fully coated in Swiss NewLite. In daylight, it presents as a pale, greyish-white, paired with a clean black bezel. The hands and index outlines are finished in a bold red and white, providing sharp contrast. In the dark, the entire dial surface explodes in a bright green or blue glow, with the indices and hands appearing in negative relief. This "full lume" dial offers unparalleled visibility in the darkest conditions.



Regardless of the chosen colorway, Nubeo has prioritized low-light visibility across the entire collection. The massive applied indices, the oversized hands, and the crucial 12 o'clock bezel pip are all generously treated with Swiss NewLite. This high-performance luminous compound ensures that a quick glance is all that is needed to read the time, an essential feature for a watch designed for environments where sunlight cannot penetrate. The Lume Grey model simply takes this concept to its ultimate conclusion, turning the entire watch face into a light source.



Powering the Aluminaut is the robust and reliable Japan Automatic NH35 caliber. This movement is a renowned workhorse in the watch industry, celebrated for its durability, reliability, and ease of service. It features 3-hands, 24 jewels, a 41-hour power reserve, and includes both hacking (the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled) and hand-winding capabilities. For a watch built to be a rugged tool, the NH35 is an excellent choice. It is a no-nonsense engine that delivers consistent performance, which is exactly what is required in a timepiece designed for life-and-death situations.



This heavy-duty watch head is secured to the wrist by an equally robust, solid stainless steel bracelet. It measures a very broad 24mm at the lugs, maintaining a strong, integrated look with the massive case. The bracelet features a classic three-link "oyster" style, executed with the same heavy, brushed finish as the case. This width tapers down to 20mm at the clasp, providing a bit more comfort than a straight 24mm bracelet would. The clasp itself is a dive-ready fold-over buckle with a safety lock and a push-button release mechanism, ensuring the watch remains securely fastened, with no risk of accidental opening.



It is important to address the sheer, uncompromising presence of this watch. At 50mm wide, 22mm thick, 55mm lug-to-lug, and weighing a staggering 330 grams (nearly three-quarters of a pound), the Aluminaut is a genuine piece of heavy-duty equipment. This is not a watch that disappears under a cuff; it is a watch that demands attention and is built for a wrist that can handle its size. The weight is a constant reminder of its solid steel construction and its 1000-meter depth rating. It is a timepiece for those who appreciate oversized, over-engineered hardware.



The first iteration of the Aluminaut was met with enthusiasm from collectors who appreciated its over-the-top specifications and unique design at an accessible price point. This new 2025 release builds on that success by retaining the core technical DNA and amplifying the watch's personality. By offering such a diverse range of colors, from the functional Lume Grey to the audacious Ultra Pink, Nubeo is appealing to a broader audience while still catering to the enthusiast who loved the original's unapologetic boldness.



The Nubeo Aluminaut Automatic Limited Edition is currently available for purchase. Each of the five new colorways—Marine Blue, Lume Grey, Vibrant Yellow, Sea Green, and Ultra Pink—is strictly limited to only 120 pieces worldwide, ensuring a level of rarity. The watch is being offered at a retail price of $510.00. This positions it as a highly competitive option for anyone seeking a timepiece with legitimate 1000-meter water resistance and a bold, conversation-starting design, backed by a 2-year international warranty.



Case: 50mm stainless steel case, 55mm lug to lug, 22mm thick. Unidirectional turning bezel with aluminium plate. Domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Screw-down crown. 100 ATM (1,000 meters) water resistance with a helium release valve.

Movement: Japan Automatic (NH35) with 3 hands.

Dial: Applied baton indices with Swiss NewLite.

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet. 24mm lug width, tapers to 20mm. Features a fold-over buckle with safety lock and push button.

Price: $510.00

Reference Number: NB-6115-XX

Notes: Limited Edition of 120 pieces per variant. Inspired by the 1964 *Aluminaut* submarine. Features a luminous crown and bezel. Total watch weight is 330g.